Chamonix (Northern Alps) - The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley is a temple to the middle and high mountains, with a sacred natural environment, iconic landscapes and a sporting reputation that is the envy of athletes the world over. Numerous events are planned throughout the summer. Here are just a few ideas to put in your diary.
What's new
The Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix for the first time in 1924, and this centenary should mark the revival of an iconic site in the resort: the museum. Originally named the Alpine Museum, it will soon become the Mont-Blanc Museum. It is currently being renovated and should soon be welcoming visitors to discover the history of the valley.
Would you like to find out more? Visit the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Alpine Museum website
Outdoor activities
Plants and herbarium outing
A mountain guide and a painter will be on hand to take you on nature walks. Participants will learn how to make sketches and watercolours of plants in the field, before leaving with their own personalised herbarium.
Price : from €80 per person
Timetable : from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Information and bookings from Sébastien Perrier
Junior climbing course
Designed for young people aged 14 to 18, the climbing course offered by the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix invites them to plunge into the magic of Chamonix's vertical scenery. Several sites will be explored each day, giving them access to as many landscapes as possible, while pushing back their limits.
Price : from €435 for a 4-day course
Information and bookings at Company of guides
Via Ferrata
Head to Vallorcine for a sensational experience in the heart of nature. Departing from the hamlet of Le Buet, you'll pass by the Bérard waterfall, which winds its way through the gorge of the Bérard torrent, along the route of the new Via Ferrata. Tibetan bridges, footbridges, beams and monkey bridges are all on the menu.
Further information and bookings on this website
Events not to be missed
Climbing World Cup
From 12 to 14 July, the Climbing World Cup will take place in Chamonix town centre, on an outdoor artificial structure. The events will alternate between speed and difficulty challenges, with the magnificent mountains of the valley as a backdrop. Visitors will be able to discover the exhibitors' exhibition on site and attend a concert on Saturday evening.
More information on event website
CosmoJazz
Free concerts and jazzy rhythms. That's the programme for this year's CosmoJazz in Chamonix, which runs from Monday 22 July to Saturday 27 July. The festival, invented by André Manoukian, promises a whole host of festivities every day and evening.
More information on the CosmoJazz Festival
The Night of the Bears
Not far from Chamonix, in Vallorcine, the artistic and environmental event La Nuit des ours will be taking place. The aim is to unite, promote, create and welcome people around nature and the arts. From 6 to 12 August, the curious will be treated to 5 shows along a 3-kilometre walk, with workshops and, of course, a party to round it all off.
More info on Bear Night here
Our favourites
Every year, the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) returns to Chamonix. Since 2003, this extraordinary sporting adventure has brought the world's greatest athletes to Chamonix, along with more than 10,000 runners over the course of the 8 races. This year's major event will take place from 26 August to 1 September.
Find out more aboutMont Blanc Ultra Tail here
Where to stay in Chamonix?
La Couronne
La Couronne, a three-star hotel in L'Argentière, is the oldest hotel in the Chamonix valley. After a period of renovation, it has just reopened its doors and now boasts 69 top-of-the-range rooms, a spa with sauna and hammam, and its own restaurant. The decor is entirely inspired by the region and the mountains.
Address: 285 rue Charlet Straton, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 04 50 54 00 02
The Big Sky
Formerly the Wanderlust hotel, the four-star Big Sky has been completely refurbished. It boasts a modern, pop décor, all the comforts of home. With its large garden and terrace, original furniture, swimming pool and jacuzzi facing the mountains, this is an establishment where you can fully enjoy the mountain experience and recharge your batteries in total tranquillity. A new feature this summer is the free shuttle service for guests.
Address: 59 route de vers le Nant, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 04 50 53 26 22
La Prairie
Nestling in the hamlet of Les Bois, Hotel La Prairie is a haven of peace worthy of the pretty thatched cottages in our favourite cartoons. For five generations, the family that owns it has welcomed guests in its eight rustic rooms. The hotel also boasts a large green garden and a 2,500 m2 terrace with a view of Les Drus.
Address: 53 chemin du Lavousse, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 04 50 53 19 96
Where to eat in Chamonix?
Le Royal
For the perfect meal, head to Le Royal in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Casino! Run by chef Patrick Lenôtre, this restaurant offers a cuisine based on local produce and a subtle fusion of tradition and modernity. For the record, this building was once known as the Hôtel Royal, where Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie stayed in 1860 during their political visit when Savoie was annexed to France.
Address: 12 place Saussure, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 04 50 53 86 36
Rotisserie Beurre Noisette
Two restaurateurs have recently embarked on a new gourmet adventure with the opening of their rotisserie and delicatessen called Beurre Noisette. Takeaway dishes include diots and polenta, blanquette de veau and farcis. New recipes are also added to the menu every day. On the grocery side, you can stock up on Romain Bourdillat's oils, cheeses, jars, breads and pastries.
Address: 512 rue Joseph Vallot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 06 80 35 30 12
The Jungle
Located in the heart of Chamonix, Le Jungle is renowned for its memorable evenings. Opened in June, it boasts a brand new decor with a jungle feel (as the name suggests). Guests can enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Chamonix chef Cyril Choay, accompanied by a cocktail.
Address: 110 rue des Moulins, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Contact: 06 76 34 94 36
How do I get to Chamonix?
By car
Direct access from the Autoroute Blanche (A40), via the Swiss motorway to Martigny, then take the Forclaz and Montets passes. From Italy, take the Mont-Blanc tunnel.
By train
Chamonix is served by train from the SNCF station on the Mont Blanc Express line, which also serves all the villages from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet to Martigny. TER and TGV services are also available from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet station, 20 kilometres away.
By plane
Chamonix is 90 kilometres from Geneva airport.
By bus
There are daily connections from the airports to Geneva and Italy.
Chamonix in brief
The legendary Chamonix valley is at the crossroads of three countries (France, Switzerland and Italy). It includes the resorts of Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Argentière and Vallorcine.
READ MORE: Chamonix: what is the Mont-Blanc Multipass?
Chamonix is the cradle of mountaineering. The first Olympic Games were held here a hundred years ago, paving the way for many technical innovations.